Building construction method

ABSTRACT

A building construction method includes the steps of forming pile holes, installing piles, installing pile connecting beams, forming a concrete ground floor structure, erecting a building framework, forming walls on the building framework, and forming floors on the building framework. The construction method facilitates the construction of low-rise buildings at a relatively low cost.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a construction method suitable for constructing low-rise buildings.

[0002] The object of the invention is to provide a construction method that facilitates the construction of low-rise buildings at a relatively low cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Accordingly, the building construction method of this invention includes the steps of:

[0004] (a) dividing a ground surface of a building site into a plurality of polygonal areas, and forming a plurality of pile holes in the ground surface, each of the pile holes being disposed in a respective corner of one of the polygonal areas;

[0005] (b) installing a pile in each of the pile holes, and filling each of the pile holes with concrete such that the piles have lower pile portions that are fixed in the pile holes, and upper pile portions that protrude upwardly and outwardly from the concrete in the respective one of the pile holes;

[0006] (c) forming trenches in the ground surface along boundaries of the polygonal areas such that the upper pile portions of the piles are disposed in the trenches,

[0007] mounting a plurality of pile connectors on the upper pile portions of the piles such that the pile connectors have lateral beam connecting parts that are disposed in the trenches, and vertical framework connecting parts that project upwardly from the ground surface,

[0008] installing a plurality of pile connecting beams in the trenches, each of the pile connecting beams having opposite ends connected to the lateral beam connecting parts of the pile connectors on the upper pile portions of an adjacent pair of the piles, and

[0009] filling the trenches with concrete to embed the lateral beam connecting parts of the pile connectors and the pile connecting beams therein;

[0010] (d) forming a concrete ground floor structure on the ground surface on top of each of the polygonal areas;

[0011] (e) erecting a building framework including the sub-step of forming a lower frame structure by

[0012] connecting lower ends of a plurality of framework columns to the vertical framework connecting parts of the pile connectors,

[0013] mounting a plurality of framework connectors on upper ends of the framework columns, and

[0014] installing a plurality of framework beams, each having opposite ends connected to the framework connectors on the upper ends of an adjacent pair of the framework columns;

[0015] (f) forming walls on the building framework by mounting pre-cast vertical slabs thereon; and

[0016] (g) forming floors on the building framework by mounting pre-cast horizontal slabs thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of the preferred embodiment of the building construction method according to this invention; and

[0019] FIGS. 2 to 11 illustrate how a building is constructed according to the preferred embodiment of the method shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the building construction method according to this invention is shown to comprise the steps of:

[0021] (a) Forming pile holes 11:

[0022] With further reference to FIG. 2, a ground surface 10 of a building site is divided into a plurality of polygonal areas 100, and a plurality of pile holes 11 are formed in the ground surface 10. Each of the pile holes 11 is disposed in a respective corner of one of the polygonal areas 100.

[0023] (b) Installing piles 12:

[0024] With further reference to FIG. 3, after installing a pile 12 in each of the pile holes 11, each of the pile holes 11 is then filled with concrete 13 such that the piles 12 have lower pile portions 121′ that are fixed in the pile holes 11, and upper pile portions 121 that protrude upwardly and outwardly from the concrete 13 in the respective one of the pile holes 11. Preferably, each of the piles 12 is made of quenched steel and has a roughened periphery 122 for secure engagement with the concrete 13 in the respective one of the pile holes 11.

[0025] (c) Installing pile connecting beams 20:

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, trenches 11′ are formed in the ground surface 10 along boundaries of the polygonal areas 100 such that the upper pile portions 121 of the piles 12 are disposed in the trenches 11′. A plurality of pile connectors 14 are mounted on the upper pile portions 121 of the piles 12 such that the pile connectors 14 have lateral beam connecting parts 141 that are disposed in the trenches 11′, and vertical framework connecting parts 142 that project upwardly from the ground surface 10. A plurality of pile connecting beams 20 are subsequently installed in the trenches 11′. Each of the pile connecting beams 20 (only one is shown in FIG. 3) has opposite ends connected to the lateral beam connecting parts 141 of the pile connectors 14 on the upper pile portions 121 of an adjacent pair of the piles 12. The trenches 11′ are then filled with concrete to embed the lateral beam connecting parts 141 of the pile connectors 14 and the pile connecting beams 20 therein.

[0027] Preferably, the lateral beam connecting part 141 of each of the pile connectors 14 is tubular, and each of the pile connecting beams 20 includes a first beam member 201 and a second beam member 202, each of which has an insert end 203 retained in the lateral beam connecting part 141 of one of the pile connectors 14, and a coupling end 204 coupled to the other of the first and second beam members 201, 202. The first and second beam members 201, 202 are preferably made of quenched steel. Referring to FIG. 4, each of the pile connecting beams 20 further includes a beam coupler 41, which has a first sleeve 412 secured to the coupling end 204 of the first beam member 201, a second sleeve 413 secured to the coupling end 204 of the second beam member 202, and a third sleeve 411 threadedly engaging the second sleeve 413 and urging the first sleeve 412 to abut tightly against the second sleeve 413.

[0028] (d) Forming a concrete ground floor structure:

[0029] A concrete ground floor structure is formed on the ground surface 10 on top of each of the polygonal areas 100. Referring once again to FIG. 3, the concrete ground floor structure is formed by laying a ground floor grid 15 on the ground surface 10 on top of each of the polygonal areas 100, and by applying a layer of concrete 31 to embed the ground floor grid 15 therein and to form a ground floor surface of the ground floor structure 300.

[0030] (e) Erecting a building framework:

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a building framework is erected in the following manner:

[0032] (e1) Forming a lower frame structure:

[0033] Lower ends 4011 of a plurality of framework columns 401 are connected to the vertical framework connecting parts 142 of the pile connectors 14. A plurality of framework connectors 50 are mounted on upper ends 4012 of the framework columns 401. A plurality of framework beams 402 are then installed. Each of the framework beams 402 has opposite ends 4021 connected to the framework connectors 50 on the upper ends 4012 of an adjacent pair of the framework columns 401.

[0034] (e2) Forming an upper frame structure:

[0035] The lower ends 4011 of a plurality of framework columns 401 are connected to the framework connectors 50 on the upper ends 4012 of the framework columns 401 of the lower frame structure. A plurality of framework connectors 50 are mounted on upper ends 4012 of the framework columns 401 of the upper framework structure. A plurality of framework beams 402 are then installed. Each of the framework beams 402 has opposite ends connected to the framework connectors 50 on the upper ends 4012 of an adjacent pair of the framework columns 401 of the upper frame structure.

[0036] The sub-step of forming the upper frame structure is repeated until a required number of stories is obtained, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0037] Referring again to FIG. 4, similar to the pile connecting beam 20, each of the framework columns 401 and the framework beams 402 includes a first beam member 201 and a second beam member 202, each of which has a coupling end 204 coupled to the other of the first and second beam members 201, 202. The first and second beam members 201, 202 are preferably made of quenched steel. Each of the framework columns 401 and the framework beams 402 further includes a beam coupler 41, which has a first sleeve 412 secured to the coupling end 204 of the first beam member 201, a second sleeve 413 secured to the coupling end 204 of the second beam member 202, and a third sleeve 411 threadedly engaging the second sleeve 413 and urging the first sleeve 412 to abut tightly against the second sleeve 413.

[0038] (f) Forming walls 80 on the building framework:

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a plurality of vertical wall grids 60 are installed on the building framework. Each of the vertical wall grids 60 is secured to an adjacent pair of the framework columns 401 and to an adjacent pair of the framework beams 402. Preferably, each of the vertical wall grids 60 is one of a channel beam grid, an H-beam grid and an I-beam grid, and is made of quenched steel. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, each of the vertical wall grids 60 is welded to L-shaped braces 43 that are fixed on the framework columns 401 and the framework beams 402 of the building framework. As shown in FIG. 7, in a modified embodiment, each of the vertical wall grids 60 is welded to channel supports 43′ that are fixed on the framework columns 401 and the framework beams 402 of the building framework. The pre-cast vertical slabs 70 are then mounted on opposite sides of the vertical wall grids 60 by high-impact nailing. Insulating material (not shown) can be further installed in the space confined by opposite pairs of the pre-cast vertical slabs 70 for sound insulation purposes. As shown in FIG. 9, in yet another embodiment, concrete 64 can be poured into a concrete pouring space confined by the pre-cast vertical slabs 70 on the opposite sides of the vertical wall grids 60. Preferably, each of the vertical wall grids 60 is formed with a plurality of holes 63 in horizontal parts 62 thereof so that the concrete 64 can pass through the holes 63 for enhancing the engagement among the aforesaid wall constituting components.

[0040] (g) Forming floors 90 on the building framework:

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of horizontal floor grids 60′ are installed on the framework beams 402 of the building framework. Preferably, each of the horizontal floor grids 60′ is one of a channel beam grid, an H-beam grid and an I-beam grid, and is made of quenched steel. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, each of the horizontal floor grids 60′ is welded to L-shaped braces 43 that are fixed on the framework beams 402 of the building framework. As shown in FIG. 7, in a modified embodiment, each of the horizontal floor grids 60′ is welded to channel supports 43′ that are fixed on the framework beams 402 of the building framework. Referring to FIG. 10, the pre-cast horizontal slabs 70′ are mounted on a lower side of the horizontal floor grids 60′ by high-impact nailing. Concrete 65 is then poured on top of the pre-cast horizontal slabs 70′ to embed the horizontal floor grids 60′ therein and to form an upper floor surface. As shown in FIG. 11, in a further embodiment, the pre-cast horizontal slabs 70′ are mounted on opposite sides of the horizontal floor grids 60′ by high-impact nailing. Similar to the walls 80 of FIG. 8, insulating material (not shown) can be further installed in the space confined by opposite pairs of the pre-cast horizontal slabs 70′ for sound insulation purposes.

[0042] In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 11, electrical wiring and water distribution pipes can be disposed in the space confined by the opposite pairs of the pre-cast horizontal and vertical slabs 70′, 70.

[0043] While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements. 

We claim:
 1. A building construction method, comprising the steps of: (a) dividing a ground surface of a building site into a plurality of polygonal areas, and forming a plurality of pile holes in the ground surface, each of the pile holes being disposed in a respective corner of one of the polygonal areas; (b) installing a pile in each of the pile holes, and filling each of the pile holes with concrete such that the piles have lower pile portions that are fixed in the pile holes, and upper pile portions that protrude upwardly and outwardly from the concrete in the respective one of the pile holes; (c) forming trenches in the ground surface along boundaries of the polygonal areas such that the upper pile portions of the piles are disposedin the trenches, mounting a plurality of pile connectors on the upper pile portions of the piles such that the pile connectors have lateral beam connecting parts that are disposed in the trenches, and vertical framework connecting parts that project upwardly from the ground surface, installing a plurality of pile connecting beams in the trenches, each of the pile connecting beams having opposite ends connected to the lateral beam connecting parts of the pile connectors on the upper pile portions of an adjacent pair of the piles, and filling the trenches with concrete to embed the lateral beam connecting parts of the pile connectors and the pile connecting beams therein; (d) forming a concrete ground floor structure on the ground surface on top of each of the polygonal areas; (e) erecting a building framework including the sub-step of forming a lower frame structure by connecting lower ends of a plurality of framework columns to the vertical framework connecting parts of the pile connectors, mounting a plurality of framework connectors on upper ends of the framework columns, and installing a plurality of framework beams, each having opposite ends connected to the framework connectors on the upper ends of an adjacent pair of the framework columns; (f) forming walls on the building framework by mounting pre-cast vertical slabs thereon; and (g) forming floors on the building framework by mounting pre-cast horizontal slabs thereon.
 2. The building construction method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piles are made of quenched steel.
 3. The building construction method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the piles has a roughened periphery for secure engagement with the concrete in the respective one of the pile holes.
 4. The building construction method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral beam connecting part of each of the pile connectors is tubular, and each of the pile connecting beams includes a first beam member and a second beam member, each of which has an insert end retained in the lateral beam connecting part of one of the pile connectors, and a coupling end coupled to the other of the first and second beam members.
 5. The building construction method as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the pile connecting beams further includes a beam coupler having a first sleeve secured to the coupling end of the first beam member, a second sleeve secured to the coupling end of the second beam member, and a third sleeve threadedly engaging the second sleeve and urging the first sleeve to abut tightly against the second sleeve.
 6. The building construction method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first and second beam members are made of quenched steel.
 7. The building construction method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step (d) includes the sub-steps of laying a ground floor grid on the ground surface on top of each of the polygonal areas, and applying a layer of concrete to embed the ground floor grid therein and to form a ground floor surface of the ground floor structure.
 8. The building construction method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step (e) further includes the sub-step of forming an upper frame structure by connecting lower ends of a plurality of framework columns to the framework connectors on the upper ends of the framework columns of the lower frame structure, mounting a plurality of framework connectors on upper ends of the framework columns of the upper framework structure, and installing a plurality of framework beams, each having opposite ends connected to the framework connectors on the upper ends of an adjacent pair of the framework columns of the upper frame structure.
 9. The building construction method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the sub-step of forming the upper frame structure is repeated until a required number of stories is obtained.
 10. The building construction method as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the framework columns and the framework beams includes a first beam member and a second beam member, each of which has a coupling end coupled to the other of the first and second beam members.
 11. The building construction method as claimed in claim 10, wherein each of the framework columns and the framework beams further includes a beam coupler having a first sleeve secured to the coupling end of the first beam member, a second sleeve secured to the coupling end of the second beam member, and a third sleeve threadedly engaging the second sleeve and urging the first sleeve to abut tightly against the second sleeve.
 12. The building construction method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first and second beam members are made of quenched steel.
 13. The building construction method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said step (f) includes the sub-step of installing a plurality of vertical wall grids on the building framework, each of the vertical wall grids being secured to an adjacent pair of the framework columns and to an adjacent pair of the framework beams.
 14. The building construction method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the pre-cast vertical slabs are mounted on opposite sides of the vertical wall grids.
 15. The building construction method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the pre-cast vertical slabs are nailed to the vertical wall grids.
 16. The building construction method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said step (f) further includes the sub-step of pouring concrete into a concrete pouring space confined by the pre-cast vertical slabs on the opposite sides of the vertical wall grids.
 17. The building construction method as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the vertical wall grids is welded to L-shaped braces on the framework columns and the framework beams of the building framework.
 18. The building construction method as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the vertical wall grids is welded to channel supports on the framework columns and the framework beams of the building framework.
 19. The building construction method as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the vertical wall grids is one of a channel beam grid, an H-beam grid and an I-beam grid.
 20. The building construction method as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the vertical wall grids is made of quenched steel.
 21. The building construction method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said step (g) includes the sub-step of installing a plurality of horizontal floor grids on the framework beams of the building framework.
 22. The building construction method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the pre-cast horizontal slabs are mounted on a lower side of the horizontal floor grids.
 23. The building construction method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the pre-cast horizontal slabs are nailed to the horizontal floor grids.
 24. The building construction method as claimed in claim 22, wherein said step (f) further includes the sub-step of pouring concrete on top of the pre-cast horizontal slabs to embed the horizontal floor grids therein and to form an upper floor surface.
 25. The building construction method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the pre-cast horizontal slabs are mounted on opposite sides of the horizontal floor grids.
 26. The building construction method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pre-cast horizontal slabs are nailed to the horizontal floor grids.
 27. The building construction method as claimed in claim 21, wherein each of the horizontal floor grids is welded to L-shaped braces on the framework beams of the building framework.
 28. The building construction method as claimed in claim 21, wherein each of the horizontal floor grids is welded to channel supports on the framework beams of the building framework.
 29. The building construction method as claimed in claim 21, wherein each of the horizontal floor grids is one of a channel beam grid, an H-beam grid and an I-beam grid.
 30. The building construction method as claimed in claim 21, wherein each of the horizontal floor grids is made of quenched steel. 